TNAG-1253-FCO40-1586-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 80

CONFIDENTIAL

5. It ought to be easy enough to check whether a group of Maltese recently arrived in Hong Kong and what they may have been up to. On the basis of that information we can then consider whether there is some nefarious Chinese/Maltese plot for the future running of Hong Kong! I would not be surprised if the Maltese were attracted by such an idea but the Chinese would surely not endanger the success of our current negotiations with them by any such foolishness?

Yours ever, Chances.

cc. Hong Kong & General Dept, FCO

Chancery, Peking

Political Adviser to the

Governor, Hong Kong

CONFIDENTIAL

CL Booth